Samoa Police probe ‘Ghost letter’

The Police investigation into a letter alleging widespread wrongdoing and corruption within the Police Force is continuing.

Assistant Police Commissioner Le’aupepe Fatu Pula told the Samoa Observer the letter contains many serious allegations and the investigation must be thorough.

“It is likely to be completed in the next few weeks,” he said.

The anonymous letter was addressed to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. It was copied to the Office of the Attorney General and other government ministries. The Samoa Observer was also copied.

Tuilaepa has since described the allegations as “ghost letter.” He has urged the letter writer to come forward so that the allegations can be substantiated and investigated.

The letter claims that there are many questionable practises being carried out within the Ministry of Police, especially at Tafaigata Prison. It talks about cases of conflict of interest and immoral behaviour among the senior officers.

Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai recently said that whether the letter was signed or not, the allegations are serious and warrant and investigation.

Later, the investigation was launched involving police officers from the Professional Standards Unit and a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office.